Are you looking for the best German Shepherd dog bed, but aren’t sure where to start? Here we will show you how to choose the perfect bed, with options for every German Shepherd. The German Shepherd is one of the most loyal and loveable dog breeds around. In return, we owe it to our four-legged friend to give him the best of the best. And what better way to say we love him than to buy him a super comfy bed to rest his paws after a long day of being a good boy?
Here in this guide, we’ll help you to find a dog bed so good that your German Shepherd will never want to climb into yours again. We will also cover all the factors you should consider in our buying guide. This will help you ensure that you get the best bed for your pup before you spend your hard-earned dollars.
Whether you’re here because your German Shepherd has outgrown, or destroyed, his previous bed. Or you are about to welcome a new German Shepherd addition to the family, we’ve got you covered. So, sit down, relax, and let us help you to find Fido the bed of his dreams.
At A Glance: Best Dog Beds For German Shepherds
Bolstered Bed
Frisco Bolstered Bed
Mattress Bed
Big Barker Bed
Elevated Bed
Frisco Elevated Bed
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Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a dog bed, surprisingly, there’s quite a lot to think about. There are also a lot of dog beds to choose from. While many of them are great, there are even more of them that aren’t. Below, we take you through all the things you need to consider when finding the best bed for your German Shepherd. Let’s take a closer look.
Reason for a Bed
The most important thing to think about first is to ask yourself why you are buying a dog bed. Is it for him to sleep on? Is it a second bed for outside? This will determine the style of bed that you choose and what components it needs. His primary bed should be super comfy, and an outdoor bed should keep him off the ground. If being used for training, elevated dog beds are preferred.
Sleeping Position
This might sound like an odd thing to think about, but just like us humans, all dogs have a preferred sleeping position. Some dogs sleep on their back with all four legs in the air. Others sploot like a starfish, and others curl up. For example, my pooch prefers raised sides to prop his head on, so flat beds aren’t an option for him. If your pooch is a stomach sleeper, raised sides might not be suitable. Instead, he’ll need an open bed so that he can breathe in any position.
Comfort
The next thing is comfort. If the bed you are buying is for sleeping, why buy one that’s not comfy? Look for thick mattress bases made with dense cushioning material or memory foam. A little polyester is fine, but if the description states that it is more polyester than foam, it isn’t going to be comfy. Comfort is particularly important for the German Shepherd, considering that most of them will suffer from hip dysplasia and other joint issues at some point in their life.
German Shepherd Age
Puppies have different needs compared to senior German Shepherds. Puppies will need a smaller bed, and they are likely to chew and destroy it quickly. They may also grow out of it within 6 months. They are also going to pee and mess it up, so it’s not a good idea to spend hundreds of dollars on a puppy bed. Additionally, senior German Shepherds may develop joint problems. Senior pups are likely to need well-cushioned orthopedic beds.
Durable Materials
Good-quality beds are made with durable materials. The German Shepherd is a substantial and muscular canine. You need to invest in a high-quality bed if you can afford it. Although this means paying a bit more, you can be sure it will last longer. Which, in the long-run, means value for money. For sleeping beds, look for materials such as canvas, nylon, or cotton. You may want to look at a bed that’s chew-proof or anti-tear. These materials will usually be able to resist claw punctures from the typical dog bed-digging ritual too.
Easy To Clean
This one is more for you because Fido doesn’t have to clean his mess, you do. Accidents happen, dogs become unwell, and if your German Shepherd is very young or very old, bedwetting is bound to happen. A bed with a water-resistant cover is ideal because you can whip it off and chuck it in the washer, and it prevents the foam from getting soaked and smelly.
Allergies
If your pooch has allergies to certain fabrics or materials, it is essential to look at the description of the bed. Always do what’s best for Fido’s comfort and health. If he is very sensitive, you should look for a hypoallergenic bed. Hypoallergenic material is tightly sealed to prevent the collection of dead skin, body oils, and dust mites from getting into the bed. These are known to cause allergic reactions in some dogs.
Budget
Budget is one of the most important things to think about in any dog-related purchase. Owning a dog is expensive. German Shepherds are no exception. You’ll need money for their dog food, their crates, training tools, and dog toys. Dog owners usually fall into two camps when it comes to beds. You buy what you can afford and expect to potentially replace it later, or you splurge and get the bed you think will last a lifetime. There’s no wrong answer here, and is solely dependent on your financial situation.
Best German Shepherd Dog Beds
Now to the part where we showcase our favorite dog beds for the German Shepherd. We have separated them into three categories, depending on what you need. We look at couch-style beds, mattress-style beds, and raised beds which are typically best for dog training. So, in no particular order of preference, here are our top picks in each category.
Couch Style Dog Beds
Also known as bolstered or walled beds, these types of beds are the most popular. Not only do they look a bit more luxurious in your home, but they offer a resting ledge for your pup’s head. As well as providing an extra sense of security that dogs naturally crave.
They incorporate the flat and sturdy mattress style base, with at least one walled side. Couch-style dog beds are suited to the majority of sleeping positions. But if the bed is entirely walled, it may not be suited for flat stomach splooters, unless you get several sizes bigger.
Frisco Plush Orthopedic Dog Bed
- Budget-friendly.
- Simple, modern design.
- Sofa shaped bed for comfort.
- Memory foam filling.
- Cover is removable.
- Cover is machine washable.
- Side bolsters for added comfort.
Our first pick is the Frisco Plush Orthopedic Dog Bed. This couch-shaped bed is available up to an XXL size that is suitable for dogs up to 120 pounds.
It is made with ultra-plush material that is super soft, making it an excellent option for those comfort-seeking German Shepherd. The sides are lined with foam for comfort, but strong enough not to bend with the weight. This is great for those dogs that like to tuck their nose against a solid surface when they sleep.
The removable cover is machine washable, which makes it easy to clean. This bed comes in two colors, gray, and beige. It’s also a more budget-friendly option than many different orthopedic dog beds on this list.
We love that this dog bed is couch-shaped. This makes it ideal for those German Shepherds who prefer nest-style beds or those who like to sleep curled up.
PetFusion Memory Bolster Bed
- Budget-friendly.
- Waterproof liner.
- Durable cotton cover.
- Removable cover is machine-washable.
- Memory foam filling.
- Anti-tear cover.
- Bolsters for added support.
This bolstered bed has a 4 or 6-inch memory foam base, depending on which size you opt for, meaning super comfort for your big German Shepherd. It has a medium firmness, meaning that it is comfy, but he will not sink to the floor. It is rectangular, with one side having an entry point, which means an easy entry for seniors with little strength to climb over the walls.
A water-resistant liner protects the memory foam for those accidents that can happen at whatever age. Not only does it prevent the foam from becoming smelly, but it also protects your flooring.
Simply unzip the cover and chuck it into the washing machine. It is made with a durable cotton and polyester twill cover that is anti-tear, which is essential for those German Shepherds that dig for gold before bedtime.
It is a simple yet stylish-looking bed that would suit most home decors, and it comes in gray and brown. This bed also comes with a 1-year warranty, and reviewers commented that this bed was by far the best quality they had seen.
We love that this dog bed is the premium choice offering ultimate comfort and ease for both your German Shepherd and you.
FurHaven Orthopedic Bolster Dog Bed
- Budget-friendly.
- Comes in multiple sizes and colors.
- Made from medical grade orthopedic foam.
- Supportive bolsters for comfort.
- Water-resistant base.
- Removable cover is machine washable.
- Multiple color options.
FurHaven has designed this bed with 3 walls and a thick medical-grade orthopedic foam base. It is covered in a faux fur and suede cover for ultimate soft comfort. It is made with egg-crate-shaped foam that allows better airflow and cradles his body to relieve the pressure on his joints.
The orthopedic base is covered in an unzippable cover so that you can chuck it in the washing machine for an easy clean. The base is water-resistant and crafted from poly-canvas material that is easy to spot clean.
This bed is also simple and stylish, and it comes in three colors, brown, gray, and blue, with a diamond patterning for aesthetic style. It also comes with a 90-day limited warranty.
We love that this dog bed is made with medical-grade orthopedic foam. It’s a fantastic choice for German Shepherds who need extra joint support.
Mattress Style Dog Beds
These beds are preferred by dogs who like to stretch out when they sleep or those that prefer not to be surrounded by walls. They are designed to look like simple rectangle mattresses, and they can be placed on the floor, or in a crate.
Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed
- Designed for orthopedic support.
- Perfect for any age.
- Foam holds 90% of the original shape.
- Easy off microfiber cover.
- Cover is machine washable.
- Great for older dogs that need joint support.
- Made in the United States.
The Big Barker is extremely popular with large dog owners. The Large-sized Big Barker is the perfect size for any adult German Shepherd. This bed is designed for dogs who need maximum joint support. Is it a little pricier than other beds? Yep. But is it worth the cost? Absolutely.
The Big Barker is made in the United States. It’s made with high-quality Orthopedic foam, which is critical in supporting your German Shepherd as they age. The bed cover is machine-washable, making cleaning a piece of cake.
Even if you don’t have a giant breed, the Big Barker is a great pick. The bed has been manufactured to retain at least 90% of its shape over time. This means by investing in a slightly higher-priced bed now, you’ll end up with a bed that lasts you and your pup long-term.
We love Big Barker’s durability. While the cost is higher than other beds, Big Barker backs up that pricepoint by producing a very high-quality product.
FurHaven Orthopedic Dog Bed
- Ergonomically designed.
- Unique contoured shape.
- Provides therapeutic neck and back support.
- Step on-design is great for older dogs.
- Made with medical-grade orthopedic foam.
- Removable cover.
- Machine-washable cover.
Here we have another FurHaven dog bed, and again, it is a big hit with big dogs. It is rectangular and designed for dogs to step on and off easily without having to climb over walls. Great for the senior or disabled German Shepherds. It comes in jumbo, extra jumbo and giant sizes depending on how big your German Shepherd is, or how flat he likes to sleep.
It is an orthopedic bed, meaning it is made with medical-grade foam offering extra support for joints. This is covered in an ultra-plush fabric that is soft on his nose and pads. The cover is easily removed with a zip, which you can then wash in the machine for an easy wash.
This bed comes in three different colors, cream, gray, and chocolate, and it is plain to suit any décor. The only thing that we do not like about this bed is that it doesn’t feature a non-slip underside, but this isn’t an issue for all German Shepherds.
We love that this dog bed is designed ergonomically to support his head and neck, without the raised bolstered sides.
Brindle Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed
- Budget-friendly dog bed.
- Waterproof zip on/off cover.
- Cover is machine washable.
- Made of Hypoallergenic material.
- Dust-mite resistant.
- Three different colors & sizes.
- Made with high-density foam.
This dog bed is made with orthopedic memory foam. It conforms around your pooch’s body to support his heavy weight and aching joints. The bottom two inches of the base are a highly-dense support foam, and the top two inches are made of orthopedic foam.
The cover can be removed easily, thanks to a zip, and it is 100% waterproof, meaning that the foam will remain liquid and stain-free. It is made with soft velour, and it is machine washable. It is created with open cell technology, which creates airflow within the bed, allowing for a constant temperature no matter where he is, be that warm or cool.
There are three colors available, which are khaki, mocha blue, and charcoal black. It has non-slip underlining, which is vital for older or disabled German Shepherds who need extra support. It is made to fit most crates too. This bed is a premium product, and it comes with a 3-year warranty.
We love that this dog bed is hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, making it a fantastic option for those dogs with allergies.
Elevated Style Dog Beds
Elevated dog beds are great for several occasions. The reason is an outdoor bed, which keeps him off the ground and raised above the freezing floor or hot pavement. They are also ideal for training your German Shepherd in basic obedience lessons. Elevated-style beds are not designed for crate use, so if this is what you are looking for, we advise purchasing a mattress-style bed instead.
Frisco Elevated Dog Bed
- Great for dog training.
- Can be used indoors & outdoors.
- Powder-coated steel frame.
- Weather-resistant fabric.
- Breathable fabric for outdoor use.
- Quick assembly.
- Easily transportable.
This steel-framed elevated dog bed is sturdy and durable. The frame is powder-coated to make it weather resistant outside, and the fabric is made from PVC-coated material. The fabric is breathable for comfort but tight enough so that it won’t sag over time. The large size can hold weights of up to 85 pounds, it has non-skid feet, and it comes in 4 colors.
It is easy to assemble and super easy to wash, simply wipe the non-porous material clean. Being raised off the ground allows your German Shepherd to stay cool, and it also means that it doesn’t attract dirt and grime. The breeze will flow through the fabric, keeping his body fresh despite his thick double coat.
We love that this dog bed is a no-frills product that does exactly what it should, at a great price.
K&H Elevated Dog Bed
- Budget-friendly.
- Bolstered elevated bed.
- Easily transportable.
- Can be used indoors & outdoors.
- Breathable mesh fabric center.
- Cover is removable.
- Machine washable cover.
This bed is another simple elevated dog bed, but with one special addition. It has bolstered sides for those German Shepherds who need a bit of extra comfort. If he isn’t a fan, you can remove the bolster pads. It keeps him off the ground, and it helps the air to circulate around his body to keep him cool too.
The cover is made from 600 denier nylon, which is 100% waterproof and easy to wipe clean. Again this bed is easy to assemble, and it has skid-free feet to keep him steady as he climbs on and off. The center is made from a meshed material that can hold up to 200 pounds, offering plenty of support for a German Shepherd. It also comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
We love that this dog bed is elevated with the added comfort of bolstered sides.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it, the best dog beds for the German Shepherd. Investing in a good-quality dog bed will not only make him happier but will also help to keep him comfortable. Comfort is vital for the German Shepherd and his increased risk of joint problems.
You can buy a variety of bed accessories to add to our list of recommended beds, such as extra pillows or blankets to keep him comfy. As well as heat pads to alleviate joint pain or cooling gel pads for the hotter months. But by picking one of our recommendations above, you can rest assured that you are taking the first step towards Fido getting a good night’s sleep.
